French word

évolution

Pronunciation

IPA/evolysjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nounchange

Example

L'évolution du climat nous inquiète.

Climate change worries us.

Illustration for évolution (change)

More examples

Il faut suivre l'évolution de la situation.

We need to follow the evolution of the situation.

Core concept

A state gradually unfolding into a different form over time.

Common phrases

  • l'évolution de la situation

    the evolution of the situation

  • évolution rapide

    rapid evolution

Similar words

changement: A change in a state or quality.
développement: Gradual progress or growth over time.
transformation: A change in form or nature into something different.
variation: A fluctuation in degree or amount.

Definition in French

Modification progressive d'un état, d'une situation ou d'un organisme au cours du temps.

Word origin

French évolution comes from Latin evolutio, from evolvere, meaning to unroll, and its sense developed from unfolding to gradual change.

Usage tips

  • Évolution does not necessarily imply improvement, so it can describe worsening as well as progress.

Other meanings

  • progressnoun
  • developmentnoun
  • evolutionnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • évoluerevolveverb
  • évolutifevolutionaryadjective
  • évoluéevolvedadjective

Word lists with this word